It is Wednesday again and it is time for another installment of Wine Trivia Wednesday. Before we get to this week’s quiz, we need to get to the answers from last week. I thought I would return to some trivia about Champagne. As I mentioned over a week ago, this summer I will be heading to the region to lead a bike trip, so I thought I should start brushing up on a few facts.
Last week’s quiz was rather straight forward. We all know (at least you should) that Dom Pérignon is made by Moët et Chandon in Epernay. It is their “Tête de Cuvée”–roughly translated as their “Top Blend”. Most of the big houses have their own “Tête de Cuvée” but they are far less well known (and many are certainly better wines) than good old Dom. So for this week’s quiz, I give you a few “Têtes de Cuvée” and all you need to do is give me the producer.
- Winston Churchill–Pol Roger
- Louise–Pommery
- Cristal–Roederer
- Comtes de Champagne–Taittinger
- Ace of Spades–Cattier/Armand de Brignac
- Belle Epoque–Perrier-Jouët
- Clos d’Ambonnay–Krug
- La Grand Dame–Veuve Clicquot
Extra Credit: Of these, which is generally the most expensive? All other things being equal (e.g., vintage) it is not even close. The Clos d’Ambonnay usually runs in the $2000-2500/bottle range. So no, I have never had it.
We had three winners last week, Talk-a-Vino, Vinoinlove, and the armchairsommelier. The last of the trio, the armchairsomm gets the extra special prize for both getting the extra credit as well as including the umlaut in Perrier-Jouët.
On to this week’s quiz. I figured I would stay in Champagne for a while since I will be spending a week there (followed by a week in Belgium) as a Tour Guide with Blue Marble Travel (be sure to go check them out, it is a fun company). I am very excited about the trip–even excited to drink Belgian beers (which are much closer to wine than to American beer, in my opinion–I particularly like the West Flanders Red Ales, but I digress).
- Approximately how many bubbles are there in a bottle of Champagne?
- We all know that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir figure prominently in the production of Champagne. Name the other five legally allowed grapes.
- True or False: In order to slice off the top of the bottle of Champagne, you need a somewhat large, imposing sword-like knife (i.e., a “saber”).
Have fun with the quiz–answers next week!
the drunken cyclist 
1) I red that there are no general stats for that but some scientists say around 49 million bubbles are in a bottle of champagne.
2) I thought that there are 5 more: Pinot Meunier, Arbanne, Petite Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris,
3) False
LikeLike
Ooops, you are right! I must of been thinking the four “other ones”.
LikeLike
I love Belgian beers . . . especially the Tripel styles. Your trip sounds fantastic!
1. 250 million, give or take a bubble.
2. Petite Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Arbane
3. False — you can saber Champagne with a butter knife.
Salud!
LikeLike
Thanks for playing yet again!
LikeLike
1. 49,000,000 bubbles – here is my source http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_bubbles_are_there_in_a_bottle_of_champagne
2. Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Arbane
3. False – both you and I have done it and posted videos of doing it with the base of the glass : )
LikeLike
Excellent as always!
LikeLike
Jeff, you are too kind…
LikeLike
1 – Carl Sagan volumes (i.e. “Billions and billions…”)
2 – Pinot meunier, Pinot gris, Pinot blank, and I have no clue about the others.
3 – false, but nothing is as fun as using a saber or machete…
And yes, Belgians make the best beer in the world
LikeLike
Carl Sagan reference? That might be an automatic win….
LikeLike
1. (In a Carl Sagan voice) Millions and millions
2, I refuse to look it up … so I will guess at least Pinot Gris and Chardonnay … and I would imagine there are some obscure grapes as well.
3. False – and I remember your video.
LikeLike
Another Carl Sagan reference! I am not sure it is a good thing remembering about the video!
LikeLike